When you upgrade the application server to a newer version, be aware of the following settings that you might want to change.
The process for managing the centralized installation manager (CIM) for WebSphere Application Server Version 6.1.x and 7.x is different from the process for managing Version 8.0, and each process is documented separately in the information center. For Version 8.0, CIM uses the Installation Manager to install the product on remote machines. For Version 6.1.x and 7.x, CIM uses the ISMP and Update Installer.
The chutils command delivered with WebSphere® Application Server Version 8 and later has a behavior that is different from the behavior of the chutils command delivered with WebSphere Application Server Version 7 and earlier.
The EJBDeploy tool was installed automatically with the product in WebSphere Application Server Version 7 and earlier. It is now an optional feature.
Beginning with WebSphere Application Server Version 8.0, you cannot use the installation registry utility (the installRegistryUtils command) to list installed products and packages. Use the Installation Manager imcl command to list installed products and packages for WebSphere Application Server Version 8.0 and later. See the IBM® Installation Manager Version 1.4 Information Center or the IBM Installation Manager Version 1.5 Information Center for information on using this command.
In WebSphere Application Server Version 8 and later, WorldType Fonts are not included with the product. If you require these fonts, change your applications to use newer fonts that are bundled with your operating system or obtain the Infoprint Fonts: WorldType Fonts for AFP Clients (Product 5648-E77).